Bright Angel Trail, Hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, United States
The trail extends 12 miles round-trip from the canyon rim to the Colorado River, featuring multiple rest areas and diverse geological formations.
Native Americans created paths in this area during prehistoric times, leading to the trail's official development for tourists in the late 1800s.
The trail name derives from Bright Angel Creek, reflecting the early explorers' practice of naming canyon features after mythological and religious references.
Hikers need to carry water, wear proper footwear, and start early in the morning to avoid extreme temperatures that can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The path descends 4,380 feet through distinct layers of rock formations, revealing 2 billion years of geological history in the Grand Canyon walls.
Location: Coconino County
Architectural style: National Park Service rustic
Elevation above the sea: 1,257 m
GPS coordinates: 36.05740,-112.14300
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:06
Grand Canyon National Park
1.9 km
El Tovar Hotel
545 m
Bright Angel Lodge
188 m
Hopi House
528 m
Kolb Studio
74 m
Grand Canyon Depot
580 m
Grand Canyon Village Historic District
467 m
Lookout Studio
151 m
Buckey O'Neill Cabin
160 m
Plateau Point Trail
3.6 km
Rim Trail
1.2 km
Mary Jane Colter buildings
151 m
Grand Canyon South Rim Ranger's Dormitory
632 m
Grand Canyon Power House
279 m
Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent's Residence
690 m
Grand Canyon Park Operations Building
608 m
Grand Canyon Water Reclamation Plant
1.5 km
El Tovar Stables
329 m
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
3 km
Yavapai Geology Museum
2.5 km
Yavapai Museum of Geology
2.5 km
Verkamp's Visitor Center
660 m
Horace M. Albright Training Center
1.1 km
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
3 km
Trailer Village
2.6 km
Bright Angel Trailhead
58 m
Powell Point
2.1 km
Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse
473 mReviews
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